What Gestational Diabetes Means For Mother and Baby
Gestational Diabetes is a form of Diabetes that only strikes pregnant women. High blood sugar during pregnancy is also referred to as glucose intolerance. There are certain factors that make you more susceptible to Gestational Diabetes. Women of African or Hispanic decent tend to have the highest number of Gestational Diabetes diagnosis. Women who become pregnant over the age of 25, have a child with a birth defect or have had a child that weighed over 9 pounds are also at higher risk of developing the disease. Gestational Diabetes also is more probable if you are obese, have recurrent infections or have a miscarriage or a newborn that dies.
Many pregnant women have no symptoms of Gestational Diabetes. The diagnosis is usually made only after their doctor tests for the disease. However, some women do experience symptoms such as blurred vision, frequent urination, nausea, weight loss and fatigue. Of course these can also be symptoms of pregnancy so it is easy to not recognize them as Gestational Diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes is not a major threat to pregnant women but it can cause complications for the baby. Birth trauma, jaundice and being larger than most babies and low blood sugar can be the result of Gestational Diabetes. In severe cases the fetus may die in the womb. All pregnant women are supposed to be tested for Gestational Diabetes in the 24-28th weeks. An oral glucose tolerance test is given and the results tell whether of not the expectant mother has Gestational Diabetes.
After a woman is diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes treatment begins immediately. Blood glucose levels should be within the normal limits so that the baby is not affected. Throughout the pregnancy your doctor will monitor both you and the baby very closely. The expectant mother can also keep track of her own blood glucose levels. Ultrasounds and non stress test (an electronic fetal monitor that listens for the baby’s heart beat) can be used to keep track of the baby’s heart rate. The baby’s heartbeat should increase 15-20 beats when the baby moves.
Blood glucose levels can be monitored by eating the right amount of calories and nutrients for your situation. A registered dietician can help you come up with a menu plan that will help. Sometimes diet regulations do not steady blood glucose levels. When that happens insulin therapy is necessary. Levels are self monitored and insulin is administered on a regular basis. Blood sugar levels must be monitored closely to keep the baby safe.
In most cases, blood glucose levels go back to normal after delivery. Unfortunately many women who get Gestational Diabetes develop Type 2 Diabetes 5-10 years after the baby is born. Obese women who suffer from Gestational Diabetes run an increased risk of getting full blown Diabetes. That is why it is important to shed extra pounds if possible before and after pregnancy. It is also vital to keep up on screenings for Diabetes after the baby is born. Women that have had Gestational Diabetes need to be checked out and watched closely for signs of the full blown disease.
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